Board of Directors Position Description

Purpose

An individual is elected by members of the corporation as a Board member in Girl Scouting, and empowered by law, to participate with other Board members in a body to make major policy decisions, and to govern the affairs of the Council. These responsibilities are carried out in five major areas: policy making, planning, review, funding and community relations.

Qualifications

A member of the Board of Directors must be a person of high character and integrity who displays:

1. A willingness to commit to a belief in the aims and purposes of the organization.
2. Skills and competencies in areas such as financial oversight, fundraising and community relations.
3. The ability to distinguish issues of governance as opposed to those of management.
4. A broad understanding of the Delmarva Peninsula and of the Council’s relationship to the community.
5. The ability to see the big picture, to analyze, think creatively, deliberate thoughtfully, and make sound policy decisions for the good of the entire Council.
6. Willingness to take training.
   1. Willingness to relinquish operational management position while a member of the Board.

Special Accountabilities

1. Register with Girl Scouts of the USA.
2. Attend Board meetings and accept at least one Board committee or task group assignment.
   Conference calling available.
3. Make a significant contribution from yourself.
4. Girl Scouts is one of the top two organizations you support.
5. Attend a Girl Scout event and participate in Association meetings when possible.
6. Understand and question any actions that pertain to the Board’s legal responsibilities.
7. Understand, accept and monitor the organization’s philosophy on affirmative action, equal opportunity and managing diversity.
8. Assist in the Council’s fundraising efforts.
9. Market the Girl Scout story to the greater community.
10. Prepare carefully for Board meetings and be well informed about the work of the Board at all times.
11. Keep the confidentiality of Board’s decisions until such time as they are officially released.
12. Abstain from any actions that might lead to a “conflict of interest.”
13. Support majority decisions of the Board of Directors.
14. Refrain from becoming involved in day-to-day management of Council operations.